Hello from Canada, New member checking in Options

[riverman]

I was very pleased to find this forum on the net - it is exactly what I need.

I have a '73 2.0 that I picked up for next to nothing and I am just starting it's resurection. The car came with enough parts to build two cars, unfortunately not enough to build one good car. So far I have stripped the drivetrain and interior and I am in the process of cutting out the rust and welding in patches. As this is a Canadian car, it is badly rusted and needs extensive work.

My main concern is the longitudinals. Both the inner and outer on both sides were rusted right through on the bottom causing the car to sag. I am going to patch up the longitudinals as best as I can and then, to be safe, install a frame stiffening kit I ordered from Brad Mayeur. Anyone have any experience with these? If my exterior measurements are all correct and my door gaps look good then my frame should be aligned, right?

I'm also seriously considering a V6 swap (I think a V8 has too much hp and will only end up breaking stuff) and was wondering who has had experience with this conversion. Which motor is best? Is the 6 an easier fit than the 8? Does smaller cubic inches mean easier to cool - i.e. smaller rad?

I look forward to gleaning advice from the numerous experienced and avid 914 fans out there and, hopefully, be able to provide some of my own as I go along.